Warri North: Ashima brokers peace between Enerog Energy, Ogbudugbudu, Abadigbene Communities

The Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Hon. Festus Ashima, on Thursday February 27, brokered peace between a multinational oil company, Enerog Energy Limited, Ogbudugbudu and Abadigbene communities, paving the way for the company to commence operation, after initial setback occasioned by the disagreement with the two Warri North communities.

Our Warri North Correspondent, reports that Hon. Ashima, had described action of the communities as anti-development and immediately provided a template of operations, which the company and the hitherto warring communities, adopted as guideline of operations.

The Council Chairman, resolved the issue during an enlarged meeting he hosted in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area.

The peace parley, was attended by representatives of Enerog Energy Limited as well as elders of Ogbudugbudu and Abadigbene communities.

The Warri North Local Government Chief Security Officer, cautioned against recurrence of situations where individuals or group of persons, would take laws into their hands to stop the operation of any multinational company in the locality.

According to him, multinational corporations' presence in Warri North Local Government Area, should be seen as a blessing, rather than a curse or source of contention, saying all interests can be accommodated, without inciting conflict or issuing unwarranted threats and misleading statements.

He declared: “As a government at the grassroots level, I will not fold my hands and watch the disruption of national assets in this local government, just to satisfy individuals’ interests. We must respect and follow the proper channels of communication within the Council.

“All public and community complaints, should be directed through the proper authorities, as prescribed by law, rather than being addressed by individuals or groups acting on their own. Enough is Enough."

Hon. Ashima, maintained that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration has assured all investors of secure and peaceful operational environment, with ease of doing business.

“It is against the law of the land and against the business investment policies of the State government, for any group of individuals to stop multinationals from operations and this should be the first and the last”, he warned.

The Chief Operating Officer of Enerog Energy Ltd, Mr. Bashorun, said the organization was ready to abide by the terms of operation outlined by the Executive Chairman, just as he appealed to people of Ogbudugbudu and Abadigbene communities to always engage in peaceful dialogue, rather than resorting to actions inimical to peaceful co-existence.

The Vice Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Florence Bisina, Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Felix Asanse, top security officials of the 90 Amphibious Battalion, an Official of DSS, senior police officers as well as top communities and opinion leaders from Ogbudugbudu and Abadugbene communities, were among those present during the peace meeting.

×